Mumbai: MMRDA prepares for monsoon with 24x7 control room

One of the First Rescue Vehicles for Atal Setu. Pic/ MMRDA

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has established a Control Room to function around the clock during the next monsoon season. This service will be accessible from June 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024. The Control Room's emergency contact numbers are 022-26591241, 022-26594176, 8657402090, and 1800228801 (toll-free).

The Control Room attempts to alleviate the inconvenience caused by tree uprooting, waterlogging, accidents, traffic bottlenecks, potholes, and other MMRDA project-related difficulties.

Metro Projects

Over 300 engineers and staff will be on standby to ensure safety at Metro project sites during the rainy season. Nineteen emergency reaction teams, each consisting of one engineer and ten personnel, will be prepared to handle any incident. In addition, there will be 18 emergency centres, maintenance trucks, and 17 ambulances available at all times.

To manage water efficiently, 131 pumping pumps have been installed, and traffic flow will be maintained by modifying obstacles. Preparations include removing soil piles, mending drains and dividers, and testing electrical equipment.

Atal Setu

Atal Setu, India's longest sea bridge, has also taken precautions to assure safety and uninterrupted access throughout the monsoon. Pumps of sufficient capacity have been installed to prevent flooding in the interchange area. An emergency response team is on standby to address any difficulties, and traffic will be regulated by regular patrols and visual inspections. Ambulances, fire rescue vehicles, and tow cranes will be accessible on the bridge all day and night. The public can obtain assistance by calling 1800 203 1818.

Surya Project

The Surya Project in Vasai-Virar is committed to ensuring an uninterrupted water supply in the face of monsoon conditions. Intake pumps have been raised two metres above high flood levels, and heavy-duty equipment is in place to handle obstructions and silt accumulation. The Water Treatment Plant includes a cutting-edge laboratory that adheres to high water quality standards established by IS 10500 and CPHEEO norms.

Complaints during the monsoon season will be investigated by Control Room personnel and reported to the appropriate engineer or authority. If a complaint is not related to MMRDA, it will be forwarded to the proper organisations, including BMC, PWD, MSRDC, and Railways. Complainants will be given status updates on the action taken.

Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, MMRDA chief, stated, "As we gear up for the monsoon season, safety remains our top priority. The Heads of Departments have been instructed to strictly adhere to safety measures and follow norms to ensure the smooth functioning of MMRDA projects. We are committed to promptly providing emergency assistance to other organisations if needed."